Discover Obidos

Visit Grande Mercado Medieval de Obidos

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Visiting the Great Mercado Medi in Obidos is a unique cultural event that is exceptionally organized and appealing to a broad audience. This annual festival in Portugal is known for its welcoming atmosphere and variety of entertainment. Reasonable food and beverage prices at Restaurante Medieval add to the overall experience, allowing guests to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this event entirely. This article will examine more exciting things about this place, valuable tips and facts, ticket prices, opening hours and other details.

Tourist information

The Medieval Fair in Obidos, held every July for about a month, offers a unique opportunity to get caught up in the Middle Ages atmosphere. The event is centered around the castle, where knights and fortune tellers greet guests on a large terrace. On the main stage, spectators can enjoy theatrical performances and concerts of medieval music. During the festival, visitors can sample authentic dishes at medieval restaurant, visit weapon and instrument exhibitions, and meet live animals, including ponies, donkeys, falcons and snakes.

A ticket must be purchased at the entrance to access all events and activities on the festival grounds. Most activities take place inside the castle walls, in a particular ticketed area, but various events are also spread throughout the town, occupying squares and public buildings. Artists performing in period costumes sometimes walk the city streets, creating a unique atmosphere.

If you are in Lisbon or Obidos during Festival Med, it is worth visiting this event. It will be especially interesting for traveling with children, offering them a good time in the history and culture of the Middle Ages.

Interesting facts

  1. The Medieval Festival of Obidos is a magnificent event that attracts visitors worldwide thanks to its atmosphere of magic and historical enchantment. 
  2. One of the most impressive events of the festival is the Knights and Horses show, which becomes the centerpiece of the opening event. Spectators can enjoy spectacular duels between knights and figureheads as nobles. It is important to take your seats in advance.
  3. Theater performances and historical reenactments occur on various festival stages, transporting visitors to the medieval era with unique customs and rituals. Musical performances acted in picturesque costumes and comedy shows add a vibrant touch to the program.
  4. Artisans and traders from around Portugal and beyond present a wide range of handmade goods and products. Everything from traditional floral wreaths to children’s toys and souvenirs to commemorate your visit to the festival can be purchased.
  5. Outside the city’s castle walls, interesting events such as archery and fortune telling with Tarot cards are held. These additional attractions create a unique atmosphere, filling the entire urban space with mystical and fun moments.
  6. Feira Obidos is also famous for its variety of culinary offerings, which represent traditional medieval cuisine. You can enjoy authentic dishes preserved for centuries, from roasted meats and pies to delicious desserts and drinks.
  7. The Medieval Festival in Obidos is an event and a real journey back in time. It is well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates history, culture, and the unique atmosphere of authentic events.

Open hours

The Feira Medievaleval in Obidos, which attracts visitors worldwide, takes place annually in July and lasts approximately two weeks. On weekdays, the festival grounds open around 17:00 and offer exciting shows and activities until late in the evening. 

On weekends, however, the festival runs all day from 11:00 to midnight, allowing guests to enjoy a full day of entertainment. In 2024, the Obidos Medieval Festival dates are scheduled for July 18 through July 28.

Tickets

You will need a ticket to attend the Medieval Festival in Obidos. In 2023, a regular ticket cost €10. However, advance discounts allowed tickets to be purchased for €5 a few months before the festival. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 could enjoy a discount of around €1, and children under four attended the festival for free.

Additional discounts for visitors who come to the Medieval Festival Portugal in medieval costumes are worth considering when planning. Costumes can be rented from vendors near the tourist information office for the day, and rental prices are reasonable.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased either on arrival in Obidos or online at the event’s official website. There are several ticket offices in town: at the town’s entrance near the tourist information office and at the castle’s entrance. The queue at the castle entrance is usually shorter.

Your ticket for the Medieval Festival in Obidus is valid for one day. If you plan to return the next day, you will need a new ticket.

Address

Address: 2510-074 Obidos, Portugal.

How to get to Grande Mercado Medieval de Óbidos

There are a few ways to get from Sintra to Obidos:

  1. By car. The A8 highway takes about 58 minutes over 95.3 km. Note that a toll is required on this route.
  2. By bus. First, take the Primi bus from Sintra to Entrecampos station in Lisbon and then change to the Rede Expressos bus to Obidos. Depending on the specific route and stops, the trip will take an average of 2 hours, 37 minutes to 3 hours, 13 minutes.